Your Ultimate Checklist for Applying to Australian Universities

Your Ultimate Checklist for Applying to Australian Universities

Research Finder and Shortlist Universities and Courses

Selecting and shortlisting the universities and the courses that do not only appeal to your academic requirements or needs but also precisely to your career goals is, by all means, the first and the foremost step. Australia has 43 universities out of which some of them such as University of Melbourne, Australian National University (ANU), University of Sydney and University of Queensland are ranked among the highest in the whole world. In order to choose a university you might look at the factors like: course content, duration, university rating, tuition fees, cost of living, the location of the campuses and whether it has scholarships or not. In order to form a coherent conception regarding the programs to make a decision, you need to refer to the official university sites and the sites supported by the government such as the Study in Australia portal. Identify a few universities that match your dreams, budget and lifestyle and put them on a shortlist.

Find Out About Entry Requirements

It is highly essential to be aware of the admission criteria of the programs you have chosen when you have your list of potential options. All courses and universities have academic requirements that have to be fulfilled. In the case of undergraduate courses, equivalent to the Australian year 12 qualification should be held normally. Graduate programs typically need a degree of recognized bachelors in a related field. Other specialized fields such as medicine, architecture, or engineering might insist on additional tests, interviews or portfolios. You can never be sure enough when you need to have an entry in the university official site, this way you avoid the unexpected situations that can occur to you later.

Math Content Area: The English Language Proficiency Standards

Engaging in English language since English is the major language of instruction in Australia there is the need to demonstrate that you are proficient in English language. Most of the universities will be happy to receive scores obtained on either of the following tests: IELTS, TOEFL, PTE Academic or Cambridge Academic English(CAE). On average, the general band score of IELTS between 6.0 and 7.0 is required and it depends on the department. An English foundation or pathway course could be the answer to you as long as you are at a lower level than the required score. Such courses are available to students in many Australian institutions who want to learn more about English before beginning their major.

Ready​ ‌and Organize University Application Documents

Without any doubt, proper documentation is the most significant section of your application to university. You will need educational records, diplomas, a certificate of English language proficiency, a passport, a Statement of Purpose (SOP), a resume or CV and letters of recommendation as a rule. In case it is a creative program you can be also required to provide a portfolio or a few samples of your work. Ensure that the copies of all the documents are certified and in case it is required, have been translated into the English language. With all the details at hand, the submitting part will definitely be a couple of works, and will save you the waiting durations.

Submit​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌ Your Application

After arranging all your papers, forward your application to the department of interest. You can directly apply via the online portal of the university, an authorized education agent can apply on your behalf, or the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) in case you are applying to a number of universities in some regions. In addition to observing the application dates each time, it is highly necessary because most of the universities have two major intakes; February (Semester 1), July (Semester 2), although there are also other universities with trimester intakes. The early application is definitely the way to go since it gives you more time to manage the visa processing and other requirements.

Write a Powerful Statement of Purpose (SOP)

A Statement of Purpose (SOP) is simply the essential instrument of your app. It informs the admission committee of what you have studied, your initiatives and what you expect out of life. Indeed, your SOP must demonstrate how you have always wanted to study in Australia, the reasons why you wish to pursue the course, as well as how it will help you in your future career. I feel that using something personal yet at the same time polite and the fact that the text was actually an expression of your personal interest in the given subject area. Pray, do not continue with the old templates again and again. Rather, write up a new SOP in each university in case you desire to be remembered.

Scholarships and Financial Aid

​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌Students studying in Australia have a range of scholarship opportunities that are offered by both the government and the universities. The Australia Awards Scholarships, the Destination Australia Program, and the Research Training Program are some of the most popular opportunities when it comes to the higher degree by research students. Financial aid in the form of merit as well as need based is also available in a good number of universities. The scholarships can cover a significant part of your costs, hence, it is good to know the requirements and the deadlines in advance. A high grade and a great personal statement are two factors, which could play a significant role in your software.

Confirmation of Enrolment and Acceptance of the Offer

Once you receive a LOR for an Australian university, ensure to go through it thoroughly with the view to understanding terms and conditions. An offer can either be conditional, subject to the delivery of other documents or the performance of qualification or it can be unconditional; that is, all the conditions have been fulfilled. You take the offer and deposit tuition money to be in a position to retain the place. This is a Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) that will be dispatched by the university upon payment, and the application to a student visa is required.

Apply Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500)

Through your CoE you can now submit an application for the Student Visa (Subclass 500) with the help of the Australian Department of Home Affairs web site. The documentation required of you includes a letter of enrolment, the demonstration that you possess sufficient money to cover the cost of the study and of living, and a cover of the health of the Overseas Student (OSHC), statement of Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE), and a certificate of the proficiency in English. The visa processing period is not constant. So the sooner you submit your application, the sooner it will be done and this would be two months before you will start your course. You can also work up to 40 hours per fortnight, during your course in Australia.

Plan​Zone and Pre-Departure Tasks

The second and last thing that you must do after having your visa is to plan your move. It does not matter what the case is like a dormitory, a homestay, or a private rental, you need to ensure that you have a place to stay beforehand. Passport, visa, CoE and offer letter: all the required documents that include travel insurance and flight ticket should be stored in a secure folder. A pre-departure orientation that will be conducted by your university prior to your departure will assist you in familiarizing yourself with the Australian culture, student support services and expectations. In fact, the orientation week is an amazing time to meet new friends, understand the university, and be familiar with your new world once you have appeared.

Conclusion

Admission to Australian universities may be a challenge or an anxiety-inducing experience. However, when you plan your work, work out and organize it properly, it may be really an easy task and make you proud of yourself. It is as though it is a long journey and each small move beginning with research of universities and validation of whether you are their candidate, writing your SOP, seeking scholarships, securing your visa, and strategizing your trip, makes you a step closer to your goal of studying in Australia. You will be taking this document checklist for Australia student visa to the application process. Never forget to get your work started early, be industrious in your organization, and have a check on your schedule for the next few days and weeks. You can be in Australia in no time, studying and on top of that, you will be studying in a country that does not only provide excellent education, but it is also a fun country with lots of fun and it is very accommodative to foreign students.